This course will focus on the graphic novel as a literary form. As students discuss influential contemporary graphic novels, they will consider how these visual/verbal texts can be interpreted from different theoretical points of view. Along with critical interpretation, students will also become familiar with the language of comics and develop a sense of how graphic narratives communicate meaning on different levels. The main assessment tasks include an analysis essay and a group project, that latter of which will involve students working collaboratively to create their own graphic narrative. Throughout the course students will also be given the opportunity to weigh the pedagogical benefits of using graphic narratives in the classroom.